About this Unit
USS Springfield (SSN-761) is a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on January 9, 1993. Named after the cities of Springfield in Illinois, Massachusetts, and Missouri, the submarine is renowned for its advanced sonar and weapons systems. Throughout its service, USS Springfield has conducted numerous deployments, supporting fleet operations, intelligence gathering, and maritime security missions worldwide. The submarine underwent a major modernization overhaul in the 2010s, ensuring its continued operational effectiveness into the 21st century.
Historical Facts
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Los Angeles-class Submarine: USS Springfield (SSN-761) is a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, one of the most successful and numerous submarine classes ever built for the United States Navy.
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Named After Multiple Cities: The submarine is named for Springfield, Illinois; Springfield, Massachusetts; and Springfield, Missouri, reflecting the tradition of naming submarines after American cities.
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Commissioning Date: USS Springfield was commissioned on 9 January 1993, entering active service after construction at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut.
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Advanced Capabilities: Being one of the later boats in her class, Springfield features improved quieting technologies and advanced sonar systems compared to earlier Los Angeles-class submarines.
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Operational Deployments: USS Springfield has conducted numerous deployments, including missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, showcasing the versatility and reach of the US submarine force.
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Refueling and Modernization: The submarine completed an extensive engineering overhaul, including a nuclear reactor refueling, at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from 2004 to 2007, extending her operational life.
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Homeport Moves: Springfield’s homeport has changed over her career, including stints at Groton, Connecticut; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Norfolk, Virginia, reflecting shifts in strategic deployment.
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Submarine Squadron Awards: The crew of USS Springfield has won multiple awards for operational excellence, including the Battle "E" Efficiency award, which recognizes the best performing submarine in the squadron.
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Pop Culture Appearance: USS Springfield made a cameo in Tom Clancy’s novel "SSN," which imagined a fictional war between the United States and China in the South China Sea.
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Motto and Emblem: The submarine’s motto is "The Silent Sentinel", and her crest features imagery representing both her namesake cities and her advanced technological capabilities.
